Methods for cryogenic storage

The present disclosure relates to methods comprising cryogenically storing cells from a biological sample derived from a donor, in particular an apheresis sample, wherein the cells are frozen in a controlled rate freezer using a stepwise freezing profile comprising at least one step wherein the sample and/or chamber is cooled at a rate greater than 1° C per minute, and wherein the cells may comprise or be enriched for T cells. Further aspects relate e.g. to the point in time at which the cells are obtained from the donor, the storage time, shipping the cells to a storage facility before or after cryogenic freezing, the sample container being marked with codes or identifiers for cataloging the cells, administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising engineered T cells generated from the cryogenically frozen cells to a subject in need thereof; and treatment of the donor for a disease, in particular cancer.